2023-12-21 03:54:42
Katie McRae is healthy at over 100 years old thanks to her hobby of gardening, her busy lifestyle and her habit of smiling even at strangers.
Katie McRae celebrated her 106th birthday last month. Born in a London suburb in 1917, she lived through World War I, World War II, and two pandemics. After her husband passed away, she lived in her retirement village for 18 years before moving into a nursing home in August this year.
Despite being over 100 years old, she still has good health and a clear mind. McRae believes that genetics and smoking cessation contribute to her longevity. But she also shared three more secrets to help you live a long, disease-free life.
horticulture
McRae loved gardening from a young age. When her family moved to a new place, she often helped her father plant her trees. She shared that when she was 12 or 13, she won a prize in a gardening contest organized by her neighborhood.
I maintained this habit throughout my life. McRae personally plants everything from apartment plants to senior care homes. Even as she got older, she still grew trees and won many awards.
In fact, gardening is a hobby for many people in Okinawa, Japan’s blue zone, where many people have been recorded living to over 100 years old. Longevity researcher Danbuten said this habit unintentionally helps many people exercise, increasing their exposure to vitamin D from sunlight. Growing your own vegetables unintentionally increases fiber consumption and reduces processed foods.
Staying busy
MacRae worked as a secretary for most of her life. She worked in both the UK and Australia and retired in her home country. Still, McRae didn’t stop working. When she retired, she took on the role of member of the town’s pension board, organized performances and parades, and coordinated performing theater companies.
According to a Business Insider study, being socially connected improves physical and mental health and increases longevity. Experts say that the world’s oldest living people are also a group with a strong sense of community, motivation to live, and a young spirit.
Additionally, an analysis by LongeviQuest, a longevity research institute, found that working long hours helps improve cardiovascular health and reduces the risk of chronic diseases.
Always smile^^
McRae loves to smile at everyone, even strangers. She believes this helps her live a spiritually healthy life.
“When I go to the supermarket, if someone approaches me, I smile at them. Many people smile at me, and others start chatting. Those little conversations make my day better. “It makes it,” she said.
Studies show that laughing a lot helps the brain release endorphins, the body’s natural “feel good” chemicals. This hormone reduces stress and improves mental well-being. Laughing helps you breathe more deeply, bringing more oxygen to your brain and body.
Laughter is also an antidepressant and increases immunity and resistance. A slight smile triggers the release of neuropeptides that improve communication and create feelings of happiness.
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